Seeing what their running game has devolved into without Brandon Jacobs, the Giants are eager to get their bruising running back on the field for Sunday’s NFC showdown with the Panthers. Jacobs missed the 20-8 loss to the Cowboys with an injured left knee that has bothered him since the fourth game of the season.

Tom Coughlin did not make any promises that Jacobs will be available for practice when the team gets back together on Wednesday but did acknowledge that the sagging offenses misses him.

“He’s a big part of it, no doubt about it,” Coughlin said. “No doubt Brandon can set a physical tone that we have responded to in a very positive way.”

Six players were forced out of the game against the Cowboys.

RT Kareem McKenzie was sent for tests on his ailing back. LG Rich Seubert was extremely ill prior to the game but someone lasted through three quarters before he was too wiped out to finish. He’s expected to recover by mid-week.

“I have tremendous appreciation he went in and tried it,” Coughlin said. “When I say not feeling well, that’s an understatement.”

Coughlin said two of the players forced out at Texas Stadium will definitely not practice on Wednesday: LB Gerris Wilkinson and RB Reuben Droughns. Wilkinson has a medial collateral ligament injury that probably will prevent him from playing in the final two regular-season games and Droughns has a neck burner.

S Kenny Phillips experienced a mild concussion but was feeling better and is expected to not miss any practice time. WR Sinorice Moss has a strained calf muscle and probably will miss some time.

Eli Manning was not injured in the game but he was knocked around for eight sacks. “I’m sure he’s a sore guy,” Coughlin said. Manning said “Basically I feel fine.”